By Kidsgran
Mid Glamorgan,
Wales 
What should I do with this acuba cut it right down dig it out ?it as always given my privacy from my neighbours oh by the way are lovely but we don’t want to have to speak every time they pass by , thanks
1 Jun, 2024
Answers
yes prune out the damaged stems and give the top a trim to encourage side shoots to develop.
1 Jun, 2024
Thank you both! don’t know what caused the leaves to go black and drop off ground conditions weather I have another next to it and that one is looking really healthy .
1 Jun, 2024
Your Aucuba has Phytophthora (similar to potato blight), noticeable by the blackening of the foliage. I would dig it up and dispose of it by burning or place it in black bags in the waste. I would try and dispose of some of the soil also. Have a look on Google for some other shrub which is immune to this root disease. Would also be useful to replant with Rootgrow wich will create a barrier from future diseases.
1 Jun, 2024
I have a large one here...occasionally it has a trim to keep it's shape....doesn't seem to mind.Cut out the blackened area on the left.
1 Jun, 2024